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How to Pour Concrete Steps

By Lisa East Hunter

Pouring concrete to form steps is a complicated process. Most homeowners choose to leave this hard labor to a trained professional. The most difficult part of the job is making the correct calculations to determine the rise and run of the steps. Building codes in your city will dictate the required measurements. Once you determine the requirements for rise and run, order a set of stair stringers to match the dimensions. The use of stair stringers simplifies the task and makes it a job that any homeowner can manage in a weekend.

Level an area for the steps. Make sure that the space is large enough for the steps and is free from moisture.

Place the stringers where the steps will be poured. A stair stringer is a wooden form that serves as the guide for the formation of the steps. Hold the stringers in place with shims. Prop the stringers up with lumber along the outside and nail them in place. The stringers will support the weight of the concrete until it sets.

Cut boards to form the front face of the step. Nail the wood in place with 3 inch nails.

Rub cooking oil on the inside of the stringer and each board. The oil will prevent the concrete from sticking to the inside of the stair form.

Slowly add water to the pre-mixed concrete. Mix in a large wheel barrow or a rented cement mixer. Combine the water and pre-mixed concrete until it has a thick, wet consistency, much like cookie dough.

Shovel the concrete into the stair mold. Smooth the top of each step with a trowel. Allow the stairs to cure for 48 hours. Remove the stair mold.

Seal the steps by applying sealer with a 1/4-inch nap roller. Apply two to three coats of sealer. Allow the sealer to dry overnight.

Things You Will Need

Shovel

Level

Stair stringers

Shims

Lumber

Nails

Hammer

Cooking oil

Wheel barrow or cement mixer

Trowel

References

About the Author

Lisa East Hunter is a consultant and freelance writer in Phoenix. Her background in marketing and technology led her to explore all avenues of writing. She is currently dividing her time between freelance writing and her consulting business. Hunter has a Bachelor of Science in management information systems and marketing.